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A Beautiful Time to Love and Be Loved: Volunteering to Care for Stray Animals in Lisbon, Portugal

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    Recommended Participation Date: Every Mon(Arrival Sun)

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  • Participation Fee
    2,430USD
Total Amount2,430USD
EPLH0008
Europe/Portugal/Lisbon
  • Operation Period: Always
  • Application Period: All Year Round
  • Number of Participants: No Limitation
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Program Creator / KoreaGapYear Global
We are a social enterprise that develops Gap year programs related to Internship, Volunteering, Traveling, and Education.
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  • Learning Experience
  • Entertainment
  • Atmosphere
  • Facility
  • Safety

PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

 

 

This project is a volunteer activity at an animal shelter in Lisbon, Portugal, where you can take care of and love abandoned cats that need affection. By giving love to these abandoned cats who crave human touch, you will find that they give back even more love than you offered.

 

 

You may have seen stray cats wandering the streets. Some may have been born and raised outside, but others were once raised in a home and then abandoned. These cats often miss human company and will easily approach strangers, seeking love and affection.

At the animal shelter in Lisbon, Portugal, these abandoned cats are rescued, given a safe place to stay, cared for, and prepared for adoption into loving homes again.

 

 

What do participants need to do? Just have fun playing with the cats at the shelter.(Along with a bit of volunteer work^^)

Hug and pet these affectionate cats as much as you like, and show them your warm affection. The small warmth of a cat curling up in your arms will warm your heart too. Although you may start by thinking you're helping them, you'll find that you receive healing and comfort in return.

 

You don't need any special knowledge or a strong sense of duty to enjoy playing with the cats. A love for animals is all you need. Friends from around the world who visit the animal shelter in Lisbon share the same love for animals and warm enthusiasm.

Even if you don't speak the same language as friends from around the world, it's OK! As you care for and spend time with these adorable and lovable cats, you'll naturally open your heart. Just by sharing your love for these abandoned cats, you can become the best of friends with others.

 

Most of the cats at the shelter have been abandoned by people, leaving them with emotional scars. However, with consistent affection, these cats will open their hearts again and show you boundless trust and love, as if they were never hurt.

Complicated human relationships often lead to various emotional wounds. By caring for and loving these abandoned cats, and receiving the love they give, you can experience healing. On top of that, the love you receive from fellow volunteers is a bonus! Surrounded by adorable cats and kind-hearted people, you will have a very special experience of healing your own emotional wounds.

 

Cats are relaxed and leisurely animals that spend more than half of their day sleeping. Watching a cat lounging comfortably can give you a sense of peace and relaxation that is hard to find in a busy, stressful life.

Spend time with these laid-back cats, matching their pace, and add some much-needed rest and relaxation to your life. As you practice letting go of impatience and walking slowly, you may discover a new side of yourself. Take time to reflect and care for yourself. By getting to know yourself better, you'll find a new source of energy for life.

 

 

PROGRAM ACTIVITIES

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PROJECT ACTIVITIES

 

This project is a volunteer program dedicated to caring for stray cats, with volunteers from around the world who love animals and support their rights.

The animal shelter in Lisbon, Portugal, is committed to providing a safe and free environment for all cats, aiming for them to live happy and healthy lives and eventually be adopted by new families. The shelter also hopes that through adoption events, people’s awareness of animal abandonment will change, leading to a reduction in the number of abandoned animals.

 

 

Participants in this project will have the experience of working with volunteers from around the world who share the same passion. The shelter is always bustling due to the large number of stray cats, making the role of volunteers extremely important. Participants will be involved in various activities, such as rescuing and caring for abandoned cats, giving them love and attention, supporting their health and well-being, and preparing them for adoption.

 

 

Main Activities

Participants engage in different activities daily depending on local conditions and schedules. However, the most important and significant activity is spending time with the stray cats. By playing with people, the cats undergo a socialization process, which helps them to be more easily adopted later on. Have fun playing with these adorable cats and give them lots of love!

  • Playing with the cats
  • Feeding the cats
  • Cleaning the cat houses
  • Assisting with some medical tasks
  • Maintaining the shelter’s garden
  • Taking photos and videos for adoption purposes

 

Additional Information

  • This project starts every Monday and ends on Friday. Check-in is on the Sunday before the start, and check-out is on the Saturday after the end.
  • After five days of activities, the weekend is free time.

 

Time Activity
7:00 ~ 10:00 Breakfast (at the accommodation)
9:00 ~ 13:00 Travel to the activity site, join local staff, and start volunteering
13:30 ~ 14:30 Lunch (at the accommodation)
15:00 ~ 19:30 Free time (city tour, relaxation, Portuguese lessons, etc.)
19:30 ~ Dinner (at the accommodation) and relaxation

*The above schedule is an example to help with understanding, and the specific schedule may vary depending on local circumstances.

 

  • Since much of the activity takes place outdoors, appropriate clothing and materials are needed.

 

  • On the first day of the project, there will be an orientation.
  • On the first morning, useful information such as an introduction to Portugal, project details, and safety rules will be provided. A tour of Lisbon is scheduled for the afternoon. Local staff can assist with purchasing transportation tickets, exchanging money, etc., if needed.

 

  • You can reach the activity site using public transportation from the accommodation. Depending on the location, it may take 20 minutes to 1 hour and costs about 4 euros per day, or around 40 euros for a monthly pass. (As of 2022 / The monthly pass is recommended for participants registered for more than three weeks.)
  • Outside of volunteer hours, participants can freely join tours, activities, language classes, etc. Additional costs may apply locally.

 

English Requirement ★☆☆☆☆

  • While communication with local staff and volunteers is in English, the main activity is caring for cats, so basic communication skills are sufficient.

Physical Fitness Requirement ★★☆☆☆

  • Most of this project takes place outdoors. It’s good to assess your physical fitness before applying.

 

 

 

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS

SUPPORT

 

   Local Orientation    Online Orientation    Online Consultation    Local Institution Completion Certificate
   KGY Certification    Pre-Departure Care    KGY Consultation   KGY Mission
  24hr Emergency Care   Flight Ticket Booking Assistance   Real-Time Consultation Service  KGY Note Book
   Project and Participation Costs    KGY Mission Scholarship    OT Documents    Local Accommodation
   Pickup Service After Arrival    Local Manager    Local Meals    Portuguese Culture Class
   Local SIM Card    City Tour    Insurance (*Limited Coverage)  

 

Detailed Support

■ Accommodation and Meals

  • Dormitory-style accommodation where you can relax and interact with volunteers from around the world
  • Three delicious local meals daily, made with fresh local ingredients
  • Shared spaces to meet and bond with international friends

 

■ Project Activities

  • Safe one-way pick-up service from the airport to the accommodation
  • Thorough local orientation to get you started on life in Portugal
  • City tours to enjoy Portugal with other international volunteers
  • Portuguese culture classes where you can meet local friends
  • Dedicated local manager to support you throughout the project
  • 24/7 emergency contact line for any urgent needs
  • Travel tips to help you live like a local
  • SIM card provided for local use (*individual recharge required)

 

■ Care Services

  • Participant deployment process: Handling project registration and deployment procedures
  • Orientation provided: Offering various orientation information to help you have a successful gap year
  • Orientation materials: Resources packed with insights from project planners to ensure a safe and successful trip, even for first-time travelers
  • Gap Year Notebook: A notebook to reflect on your experiences throughout your gap year (▶ Learn More)
  • Gap Year Mission

 

■ Certificates and Recommendations

  • Certificate of volunteer service from the local organization
  • Certificate of participation and completion from Korea Gap Year

* Certificates and recommendation letters from the local organization are issued at the participant's request after the project ends. The format and issuance of these documents may vary depending on the local organization's policies.

* Certificates and recommendation letters are issued after the successful completion of the project and submission of feedback.

 

Exclusions

  • Round-trip airfare
  • Other local expenses (overnight stays, dining out, transportation, etc.)
  • Individual travel insurance

PROGRAM PROVIDER INTRODUCTION

INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION

 

 

This project takes place in an NGO located in Lisbon, Portugal. It operates under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 15, "Life on Land," and Goal 17, "Partnerships for the Goals." The project aims to protect and support the welfare of stray animals, raise awareness about animal abandonment, and create an environment where stray animals can live freely and safely.

 

A Word from the Local Coordinator

Hello! I'm Rita, the project coordinator. My wonderful team and I invite you to join this project :)

Would you like to participate in activities at social facilities and for the environment in Lisbon, Portugal, and create positive energy in the local community?

You will meet new friends from all over the world who have completely different cultures, go on adventures together, and create unforgettable fun memories.

We are committed to ensuring your safety and comfort so that you can have a time of personal growth and create meaningful experiences for the local community you will be helping.

We are looking forward to meeting you in Lisbon. Let's make it happen!

 

ACCOMMODATION

ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION

 


You will stay in an eco-friendly volunteer house in Lisbon, where you can live with other international volunteers. During your volunteer period, you'll have the opportunity to live with foreign friends and experience various cultures. The accommodation is conveniently located near volunteer sites and various tourist attractions in Lisbon, and it is managed by a coordinator, ensuring safety. The interior of the accommodation is designed with themes of climate action and environmental protection, offering another journey of learning. The volunteer house, which has a beautiful outdoor terrace, is a 5-minute walk from the beach and about 45 minutes by public transport or on foot from the volunteer activity site, depending on the location.

The rooms accommodate a minimum of 6 and up to 14 people. The beds are designed and arranged to provide a bit more privacy in a shared living space. Free Wi-Fi and basic bedding are provided. Shared facilities include common bathrooms, an outdoor terrace, and a kitchen equipped with cooking utensils.

 


Meals are provided in a buffet style with a variety of foods, including local Portuguese cuisine, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you wish to eat outside, you can request takeout in advance and enjoy your meal wherever you like. Laundry service is available at the accommodation for around 5 euros per wash, or you can use a nearby self-service laundromat.

Shared rooms (gender-separated) / Shared bathroom / Free Wi-Fi / Basic bedding / Personal locker / 3 meals a day / 24-hour staff on-site

 

* The accommodation is in a dormitory-style shared room. Additionally, private rooms are available. Upgrades to a private room can be arranged for an additional fee. Availability will be checked upon application, and the upgrade can be selected from the options above.

* Transportation to and from the project site is either by public transport or on foot, with transport costs incurred locally (estimated 30-40 euros per week, depending on the activity location).

For special dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose intolerance, etc., please inquire separately.

* The accommodation may change depending on the circumstances of the local organization.

PROGRAM LOCATION INTRODUCTION

LOCATION INTRODUCTION

 

Location:   Portugal, Lisbon

 

Portugal is located on the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent, facing the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its oceanic climate, it enjoys mild weather year-round, with temperatures never dropping below freezing, making it a popular destination for relaxation. The city is adorned with decorative tiles known as ‘azulejos,’ vibrant red rooftops, and cheerful yellow trams. With its bright blue sea and captivating landscapes, Portugal offers views that are hard not to fall in love with.

With endless beaches, lush forests, international cities blending global cultures, and small, remote villages, Portugal is a place where kindness, delicious food, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty are always at hand.

Create unforgettable memories in Portugal, the birthplace of the sweet egg tart!

 

Recommended Travel Destinations

1. Tagus River Yacht Tour

Sail along the tranquil waters of the Tagus River, which embraces Lisbon. Enjoy the brilliant sunlight sparkling on the water, the gentle sunset enveloping Lisbon, and the city lights reflecting in the calm darkness. The beauty of Lisbon from the water offers a lifelong unforgettable memory.

 

2. Nazaré

Nazaré is a coastal city located about an hour and a half by car from Lisbon and is renowned as a surfer’s paradise. In Nazaré, you can encounter ‘monster waves’ that reach up to 20 or even 30 meters. Witness the overwhelming and vast moments created by nature.

 

3. Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is the westernmost point of the Eurasian continent and the end of the land where the ocean begins. Imagine the hopes of those who stood here long ago, watching the sunset over the endless horizon. Find your own dreams in the landscape where those who were not afraid to venture into the unknown once stood.

 

Participation Duration and Fees

SCHEDULE AND PRICES

 

■ The project starts every Monday.

■ The minimum participation period for this project is 1 week.

■ The fees below include project costs, accommodation, breakfast/lunch/dinner, one-way airport pickup service, and more.

 

Duration Participation Fee
1 week 2,050,000 KRW
2 weeks 2,630,000 KRW
3 weeks 3,220,000 KRW
4 weeks 3,800,000 KRW
5 weeks 4,390,000 KRW
6 weeks 4,980,000 KRW
7 weeks 5,560,000 KRW
8 weeks 6,140,000 KRW
9 weeks 6,740,000 KRW
10 weeks 7,320,000 KRW
11 weeks 7,900,000 KRW
12 weeks 8,490,000 KRW

 

■ Eligibility and Qualifications

- Individuals who can communicate in English at a basic level

- Healthy adults aged 18 or older

- People with a great love for animals

- Individuals who are not afraid of or repelled by handling animals

- People in need of a break and time for recovery away from daily life

 

 Gap Year Mission Scholarship  (▶ More Details)

 

 Payment Installment Information

If full payment is difficult, you can make a deposit of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining amount within 2 weeks. The process for confirming participation will begin from the date of the deposit, and we will check availability and TO (turnover). To secure your desired date and period, it is important to act quickly! (No refunds once participation is confirmed)

* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for the remaining payment may vary depending on the situation.

 

 Early Bird Discount and Emergency Application Information

We recommend applying for all Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date to allow for the normal processing procedures and preparation time. The principle is to apply at least 2 months in advance. However, if you have urgent reasons or need to join the project quickly, you can use the emergency application service and pay an additional fee for expedited processing.

* Although we strive to assist with expedited processing, there is basic time required for communication with local agencies and confirmation of participation. Procedures will be the same as for regular participants, so those using the emergency application service should actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year operation team.

** If you apply 180 days or more before the start date, you can receive an early bird discount.

*** Emergency application service is available through the options above, and inquiries about emergency applications should be directed to koreagapyear@gmail.com.

 

  

- Services Provided: Automatic application for Gap Year Mission and notes / Full provision of OT materials upon confirmation / Additional urgent staffing / Support for necessary documents if required, etc.

* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to the Naver date calculator >> Naver Date Calculator

** Note: For ultra-urgent applications, TO (turnover) may not be available depending on local circumstances, and subsequent procedures will be handled according to Gap Year refund policies. Issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the participant's responsibility.

 

 

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Should you have any other inquiries, please don't hesitate to contact us via email (program@koreagapyear.com).
You can counsel with one of our staff in English or Korean.

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